LA DOLCE VITA

Authentic Sicilian Sunset Experience: Savoca Village & Italian Aperitivo

Take a step back in time and relive Italy’s glamorous “Dolce Vita” era, feeling like a 1960s film star or a Hollywood diva. This sunset tour from Taormina combines vintage charm, cinematic history, and authentic Sicilian relaxation.

Starting from your hotel in Taormina or Giardini Naxos, you’ll take the wheel of a classic, convertible Fiat 500, following our professional tour leader’s car. The adventure begins with a beautiful drive along the scenic coastal road of the Ionian Sea as the sun begins to dip towards the horizon.

Our destination is the charming, medieval village of Savoca, officially one of “Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages.” In Savoca, you will switch your Fiat 500 for a truly iconic mode of transport: a picturesque Ape Calessino. Enjoy a fun, guided mini-tour through the narrow streets of the town on board this classic vehicle, concluding your scenic ride at the historic Church of Santa Lucia.

From here, the journey continues with an enchanting walking tour through the ancient, narrow alleys of Savoca. As you stroll towards the Chiesa Madre, you will discover the Clock Tower and a stunning 15th-century mullioned window (bifora), symbols of the town’s rich architectural heritage. Along this scenic path, you will be immersed in the vibrant Mediterranean scrub, discovering local flora, from wild caper plants to ancient olive trees.

The tour culminates with a spectacular sunset aperitif at a scenic location. Savor a refreshing Italian aperitivo—a classic Spritz or Prosecco—accompanied by simple yet delicious Sicilian appetizers like savory nuts and chips as you soak in the panoramic views and the magical evening atmosphere. Non-alcoholic aperitifs are always available for designated drivers.

Optional Enhancements

  • Enhanced Aperitif: For special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or romantic proposals, we can arrange an enhanced aperitif featuring a selection of local cured meats (salumi), cheeses, and typical Sicilian finger foods (available at an additional cost).
  • The Godfather Fan Experience: For those booking a private tour, you have the exclusive option to choose the location of your aperitivo, including the world-famous Bar Vitelli, where key scenes from The Godfather were filmed.

Choosing this tour means experiencing the most romantic and authentic side of Eastern Sicily. This unique journey is perfect for making any moment truly unforgettable.

Things to note

Departures

Private: Every Day (Except Sunday)

Collective: Wednesday

Duration

Approx. 3 Hours

Pick-up

1. Parking Mazzarò – Taormina Mare
2. Parking Train Station Taormina / Giardini Naxos
3. Parking Recanati – Bus Terminal Giardini Naxos
4. Nike Statue – Giardini Naxos Harbour

Typology

Towns sightseeing at sunset

Included

Ape Calessino Tour and Aperitif Optional: Enhanced Aperitif

Seats

2 adults ( or 2 adults and 2 children) in each Fiat 500

This sunset tour includes

Savoca Tour by “Ape Calessino”

A tour of Savoca on board an Ape Calessino as the American stars holidaying in Italy (Taormina, Capri, Portofino). The timeless fascination of the Ape Calessino grew steadily through the 1960s, when it was associated with legendary films like “La Dolce Vita” . The Ape Calessino is the symbol of a lifestyle, a prestigious icon of elegant and exclusive minimalism.

Ape Calessino
Santa Lucia’s Church

Santa Lucia’s Church – Savoca

Our first stop is the Church of St. Nicholas (also called the Church of S. Lucia), with fortress-like appearance, where some scenes of “The Godfather” film were shot in 1972. The most famous scene is that of the wedding between Michael Corleone (Al Pacino ) and Apollonia Vitelli.

Bar Vitelli – Savoca

Bar Vitelli became famous in 1972 because the director Francis Ford Coppola chose it for his film “The Godfather” as the place where Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) meets Mr. Vitelli (the bar owner) and asks his permission to court his daughter Apollonia and also for the party after the wedding ceremony.

Bar Vitelli
Sunset Aperitif

Sunset Aperitif

After several stop to enjoying the best view of the area, you will have time for a classic “Italian Aperitivo” on a panoramic terrace at the sunset. A romantic aperitif with Spritz cocktail or Prosecco wine accompanied by bruschetta, Sicilian cut cheese and salami.

More information

Our self-drive tour on themed itinerary will show you unveiled Sicily and its secrets.
You will drive one of our classic and convertible Fiat 500 following our tour leader car that will be driven by our staff.
A fun and professional fully licensed English-speaking tour guide will lead you through this fascinating trip.

Don’t forget to bring your driver’s license with you. To drive in Italy you need an EU driving licence, or an International Driving Permit, which is a translation of your non EU licence.

All drivers must be able to drive using a manual clutch / trasmission (stick shift gears). Occasional driving experience with manual cars is not enough to handle our vintage cars.

Infant under 3 years of age are not admitted to the car tour. Children 3-12 years old in the same car of parents are free.

Our “La Dolce Vita – Sunset Tour” usually starts at 4.30pm (available from June to September).

Usually this sunset tour themed on “La Dolce Vita” lasts about 3 hours and half.
If you are a group and you have more time to spend we can arrange a customized full day tour according to your needs.

If you choose this tour for a special occasion like birthday, anniversary or even for a romantic proposal, we can also arrange a substantial upgrade to a hearty aperitif (aperitivo rinforzato), featuring a full selection of local cured meats (salumi), cheeses, and typical Sicilian finger foods.